The Croleys gave a $7.5 million gift to supporting the building renovation and establish the Sara Rosenbalm Endowed Dean’s Chair.
For some time, the nation’s demand for registered and advanced practice nurses has been growing at a fast pace. In Tennessee, a recent workforce projection study estimates a 40 percent increase in the need for registered nurses.
To meet this growing demand, UT’s College of Nursing has enacted a five-year plan to increase its annual enrollment by about 55 percent, from 800 students in 2018 to 1,250 in 2023; increase the number of faculty and staff members; and more than double the size of the current building, from 42,000 to 100,000 square feet.
A major step in carrying out this plan came in October, when the college received the largest gift in its history—$7.5 million—from alumna Sara Croley (BSN ’00) and her husband, Ross. The purpose of the gift is twofold, with $5.5 million supporting the building renovation and expansion and $2 million establishing the Sara Rosenbalm Croley Endowed Dean’s Chair. Pending approval from the UT Board of Trustees, the renovated space will be named the Croley Nursing Building in recognition of their generous support.
Ross and I are investing in the future of nursing in Tennessee. We hope this gift opens a door of opportunity for many more amazing nurses to enter the workforce.
– Sara Croley (’00), established the Sara Rosenbalm Croley Endowed Dean’s Chair
“Having worked as a nurse for many years, I have cared for people during some of their most difficult moments. Nurses play such an important role in people’s lives,” said Croley. “Ross and I are investing in the future of nursing in Tennessee. We hope this gift opens a door of opportunity for many more amazing nurses to enter the workforce.”
“This renovated and expanded building will provide students and faculty with an experiential learning environment that is inclusive and welcoming—that fosters collaboration and supports the growing academic and research mission of the College of Nursing,” said Dean Victoria Niederhauser.
The $60 million anticipated cost for the project will be funded through a combination of donations and state funds. The college has set a campaign goal to raise $10 million in private support. In addition to their donation, the Croleys have agreed to serve as campaign chairs.
“The majority of our Bachelor of Science in Nursing students work in Tennessee after graduation, with an estimated 45 to 60 percent remaining in the Knoxville area,” said Niederhauser. “This investment is one that is certain to pay off for Tennessee.”
Chip Bryant, vice chancellor for advancement, said the Croleys exemplify the Volunteer spirit. “We are grateful for Ross and Sara’s investment in the success of our students, the university, and the state,” he said. “This gift will have a tremendous impact.”
